transmission woes

[corax]

So, I know Toyota manual trans aren't the quietest transmissions, and I know what the typical input bearing noise sounds like (in neutral, clutch pedal up). However, recently I started to notice a new noise in 5th gear. I also noticed that the shifter will distinctly move straight forward about 1/2" when I get on the gas, and it moves the same way rearward when I get off. It's a very "notchy" type of movement and it only does it in 5th gear, so I don't think it's anything to do with drivetrain movement or mounts. What I think is happening is the countershaft bearings are worn allowing the countershaft to move forward and back just a little bit depending on whether it's under load or on decel. Since the 5th gear synchro is the only one on the countershaft, that is why the shifter itself is moving - shaft moves, making synchro and shift linkage move with it. Immediately before my recent move to Oregon I drained the trans fluid through a paint filter and didn't find any metal, but I wasn't hearing this noise or seeing the shifter move at that point either.

It's not engine noise in the video . . .
W56b 5th gear noise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiUgU1hCSrk#)

It's a shame because, while I know towing didn't help it live a long life, it only has 50k miles on it and still shifts great. So does anyone know someone in Oregon willing to lend a trans jack for the day? I was thinking about buying this one (http://www.harborfreight.com/800-lb-capacity-transmission-jack-3185.html), but I really don't have anywhere to put it after I'm done. Any idea where I could rent on for a day or two?

[Obi..]

IIRC that's when the shaft bearings are getting worn and the shaft has smacked into the case a bit, but I can't remember back that far 100%. Looks like it's time to swap or rebuild..don't let it go much further b/c when my W trans got like that I was going into 5th under acceleration (double pedaling) and all of a sudden it went "BANG" shooting the shifter back into my hand and then locking the trans up completely..causing me to lay out some double tracks and slide out of control.

Tried searching on Marlin's board for this yet? I'm borrowing your video link and am gonna shoot it over to Mikey.

[04 Rocko Taco]

This is a trans in a 1st gen runner? right? Why would you need a trans jack?? drain it and drop it. Use ratchet straps across your sliders under the trans if you have to. I have dropped mine like 8 times. all with the T-case attached, and in every case except one, I just leave the crossmember attached as well. The last time I had it out, I dropped it, changed clutch, and re-installed it (by myself, with a pair of ratchet straps) in about an hour.

[corax]

Tried searching on Marlin's board for this yet? I'm borrowing your video link and am gonna shoot it over to Mikey.


Already been in touch with Big Mike, but they're on a 6-8 week wait since their trans guy recently had surgery. So I'm gonna buy a used trans, send this one to Marlin and then re-sell the used one once Marlin gets it back to me. Oddly enough, the first trans I called on is being held by a company that does 5VZ swaps - never heard of them, a place called Toy Only Swaps (http://www.toyonlyswaps.com/Home_Page.php). So I might be running over there to take a look today



This is a trans in a 1st gen runner? right? Why would you need a trans jack?? drain it and drop it. Use ratchet straps across your sliders under the trans if you have to. I have dropped mine like 8 times. all with the T-case attached, and in every case except one, I just leave the crossmember attached as well. The last time I had it out, I dropped it, changed clutch, and re-installed it (by myself, with a pair of ratchet straps) in about an hour.


Slick, I may have to try that - so you just use 2 straps and let them down evenly? I still don't have sliders, but the frame should work just as well. Although I also found a local equipment rental place that has a floor jack based trans jack with the tilt table on it for $18/day. The RV park I'm at said if I can get it done in one day, they won't have a problem (it helps that I don't have to put the 'runner on jack stands to get the trans out).

[04 Rocko Taco]

Evenly, or not. :) I've gotten to where now, I just use the ratchet strap on the rear, just unbolt everything from the motor, and leave it mounted to the crossmember, and unbolt the crossmember from the frame, have your ratchet strap holding it near the rear of the whole deal, and just lower the front down to the ground, and then just pop the strap, and let it down slowly. I can drop my trans under the 4runner, but sittin on my 33's, I have to jack it up ever so slightly to get it out from under the truck. Here is a picture from a long time ago.... Looks like this time I DID take the crossmember off, this might have been when installing my Budbuilt.... but I usually just leave it on there.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1931/46/4/56705698/n56705698_32283252_8287.jpg

[corax]

Got the new/used trans from the guys at Toy Only Swaps and pulled the old one out (ratchet straps worked like a charm, thanks for the tip Chris). I also drained the fluid through a paint filter so I could see what came out - just little flakes of ferrous metal in the filter and on the magnet. With no chunks or big pieces, this trans should be salvageable. I can't wait to get back into a shop so I can stick new bearings into the old one for a spare (just have to wait for Marlin's HD rebuild kit to become available again). Tomorrow I'm gonna pull the shift interlock pin on the transfer case and bolt everything back together :D

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk171/batardsalamano/110407trans1.jpg

[04 Rocko Taco]

Glad it worked out for ya and glad to hear that the trans isn't in any worse shape than it is.

[corax]

suck a$$ . . . just finished putting the trans in and took it for a test drive after I drained and refilled it with fresh gear oil . . . noise in every gear except 4th :tapedshut: Not just a little bit of noise - that I could live with - this is loud enough that I'd have to crank the radio and sing along to not hear it. This is what happens with used drivetrain parts, I should have known better.

[corax]

http://kcsmoothieshakedown.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/happy-dance.gif?w=202&h=194

This is me doing a happy dance - I found a trans shop where the guy that answered the phone sounded knowledgeable. I explained to him what the Marlin trans was doing and what I thought it was (points given that he knew of Marlin). He called back with an estimate to install a bearing kit ($140 parts) with the trans out of the truck and had the kit ordered by the time I got there 30 minutes later to drop off the tranny. That was yesterday at 10am, he called today at 3 to tell me it was done. And he only charged 3hrs . . . so for $20 less than the price of the noisy used trans I have a fresh rebuild (and the guy I bought the used one from is gonna refund my money). I can't wait for the sun to come out so I can spend a day on my back swapping these and stop babying the truck :D

[Crinale]

awesome Keith! i love finding people who know what they are doing..

[Obi..]

Hey Ya, Charlie Brown! (Remaster). (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sKrwsHweGc#)
Ditto, to find a person who knows the ins and outs of little things we sometimes over-think and that will do honest work for honest money without gouging you is something to share with everyone. Keep that shop in your files b/c you never know when one of us might need them.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Absolutely Great Keith!! Glad to hear you found a shop that actually has some ethics and a knowledgeable workforce. I never seem to find both in the same shop. :) Probably explains why my truck is usually broken in MY garage. lol.